THREE TYPES OF IDOL WORSHIP

by Rogath Henry | 10 May 2024 08:46 am05

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
— Psalm 119:105

Blessed be the Name of our Lord and Savior JESUS CHRIST. Welcome, beloved, as we study the Word of God — the light that guides our steps.

There are three (3) types of idols that people worship:

Idols made in the likeness of man
Human idols
Material idols

Let us look at each one in detail.

1. IDOLS MADE IN THE LIKENESS OF MAN

These are lifeless objects made in the image of human beings — created by men for the purpose of worship.

The Bible describes the nature of such idols clearly:

“Their idols are silver and gold, the work of human hands.
They have mouths, but they do not speak; eyes, but they do not see.
They have ears, but they do not hear; noses, but they do not smell.
They have hands, but do not feel; feet, but do not walk;
nor do they make a sound in their throat.
Those who make them become like them; so do all who trust in them.”
— Psalm 115:4–8

These are the idols worshiped by pagans and even by some religious groups that call themselves Christian. You may find such statues placed in places of worship, where people bow down, offer gifts, and pray to them — things that are abominable before God.

“You shall not make for yourself a carved image… you shall not bow down to them or serve them.”
— Exodus 20:1–6

To bow before any image is a great sin in the sight of God.

2. HUMAN IDOLS

This second kind of idol differs slightly from the first.
The first kind has eyes but cannot see, ears but cannot hear, and mouths but cannot speak.
The second kind — though it breathes and walks — is still blind and deaf spiritually.

These idols are human beings.

Scripture confirms this truth:

“Son of man, you dwell in the midst of a rebellious house,
which has eyes to see but sees not,
and ears to hear but hears not;
for they are a rebellious house.”
— Ezekiel 12:1–2

So, idols are not only stones or metal figures — even people can become idols!

If you have not truly surrendered your life to JESUS CHRIST, then you yourself are an idol, because:

You have eyes but cannot see the things of the Spirit,
Ears but cannot hear the voice of God,
A mouth but do not speak of the Word of God.

Let’s look at some examples:

Your head can become your god if it serves worldly beauty and pride like Jezebel.
Your ears can become idols when you serve them by constantly changing earrings to please men.
Your eyes can become idols when you serve them through vanity—painting your face, shaping eyebrows, and seeking attention.
Your mouth can become an idol when it is devoted to lipstick and worldly decoration rather than prayer and praise.
Your hands and feet can be idols when they are used for artificial nails, bangles, and vain adornments.
Your stomach can be an idol when you live only to satisfy your appetite and refuse to fast or pray.

The Bible says:

“Their end is destruction, their god is their belly,
and they glory in their shame,
with minds set on earthly things.”
— Philippians 3:19

Therefore, if you are not following Jesus wholeheartedly, every part of your body becomes an idol or a god to you.
That is why Scripture commands:

“Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.”
— Colossians 3:5–6

Through these things the wrath of God comes upon the children of disobedience.

3. MATERIAL IDOLS

These are idols that are not human-shaped, yet are worshiped by many people.

Examples include:
Work, money, fame, education, property, cars, houses, or land.

Anyone who possesses such things but does not have CHRIST is simply an idol worshiper.

Remember this:
If you do not worship the true God, then you are worshiping idols.
There is no middle ground — you are either for God or for Satan.

If your job is more important to you than God—so much that you cannot even set aside one day a week for Him—then your job has become your idol.

If your education, status, or fame outweighs the Word of God in your heart, then those things are already your gods.

WARNING AND CALL TO REPENTANCE

Have you been saved?
The Bible warns clearly:

“But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone—which is the second death.”
— Revelation 21:8

Beloved, turn to Jesus Christ today.
He alone can deliver you from idolatry and give you eternal life.

A FINAL BLESSING

May the Lord bless you, and may this truth set you free from every hidden form of idolatry.
Share this message of truth with others, and help them also turn from idols to serve the living God.

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